GGUSD Celebrates Students of All Abilities at Special Games

SPECIAL GAMES: This morning, the true spirit of GGUSD was on full display at our 55th Annual Special Games. Approximately 750 students with special needs took part in Olympic-style events at Bolsa Grande High School Stadium, supported by more than 450 student leaders from our 8 high schools who cheered them on every step of the way. From the inspiring torch relay and National Anthem to races, throws, dancing, and team events, the day was a powerful reminder of what makes our district so special, coming together to celebrate students of all ability levels. Our GGUSD mascots were out in full force and kicked things off with an entertaining race of their own. Students earned medals and received countless high-fives and hugs as the community surrounded them with support! Every smile, every cheer, and every finish line crossed reflected the heart of GGUSD. Kudos to the Adapted Physical Education Department for planning such an incredible event! Board of Education President Bob Harden, Vice President Lan Nguyen, Trustee Teri Rocco, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi, and many district administrators joined in the festivities to show their support

AVID Students Earn College Scholarships

Eight seniors from Garden Grove Unified School District were awarded a total of $82,500 in college scholarships during the 2026 AVID Senior Standout Recognition and Scholarship Presentation hosted by the Orange County Department of Education. The event celebrated students who exemplify perseverance, academic excellence, and leadership, while highlighting the powerful impact of AVID in preparing students for college and future success. Their achievements reflect years of support and growth across all grade levels, and underscore GGUSD’s strong commitment to college readiness, with 96% of AVID students meeting a-g requirements. Through districtwide implementation and nationally recognized programs, AVID continues to open doors and help turn college aspirations into reality for GGUSD students.

Los Amigos High School Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Los Amigos High School welcomed families, students, and the community for a fantastic Open House! Guests had the opportunity to explore classrooms, meet dedicated teachers and staff, and experience firsthand the incredible programs and opportunities that make Los Amigos such a special place to learn and grow. From engaging student work to vibrant campus spirit, the evening was a wonderful celebration of all things Lobos! GGUSD is proud to see the strong connection between schools and families on full display—thank you to everyone who joined in making the night such a success!

Eisenhower Elementary Brings 'Beauty and the Beast' to Life!

GGUSD proudly celebrates the incredible talent and hard work of students at Eisenhower Elementary following their recent performance of Beauty and the Beast!

Students lit up the stage with their singing and storytelling, bringing this beloved classic to life with creativity, confidence and heart. From colorful costumes to memorable musical numbers, every detail reflected the dedication of the performers and the support of their teachers and families.

Opportunities like this allow students to build confidence, collaborate with peers and express themselves through the arts—skills that will serve them well far beyond the stage.

Bravo to the cast and crew for an unforgettable performance! GGUSD is so proud of our talented students and the vibrant arts programs that help them shine.

Pacifica High School Encore Show Choir Competes in Nationals

GGUSD proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Pacifica High School’s Encore show choir at the Fame Show Choir Nationals in Branson, Missouri!

Encore delivered an incredible performance, earning 2nd Runner Up overall and placing 2nd in both Vocal Production and Show Production. The group also brought home multiple caption awards, including Most Original Selection and the prestigious Fame Award, recognizing the highest level of professionalism.

A special congratulations to senior Christiana Fahmy, who was honored as Best Female Soloist at Nationals—an incredible accomplishment on a national stage!

GGUSD is so proud of these talented students for their dedication, artistry and excellence. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and uplift our performing arts programs!

Russell Elementary Language Academy Hosts Career Day for Students

GGUSD proudly highlights the exciting learning that took place at Russell Elementary Language Academy during its recent Career Day!

Students had the opportunity to hear from a wide range of professionals who shared their career journeys, daily responsibilities and words of encouragement for the future. From healthcare and public service to technology and business, presenters helped students see the many possibilities that lie ahead.

Through engaging conversations and interactive presentations, students asked thoughtful questions and began making connections between their education and future goals. Events like Career Day support GGUSD’s commitment to preparing students for lifelong success by inspiring curiosity, ambition and a vision for what’s possible.

Thank you to all of the incredible guest speakers who took the time to invest in our students’ futures!

Zeyen Elementary Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Zeyen Elementary School recently welcomed families to campus for a vibrant and engaging Open House, showcasing the incredible learning happening in every classroom.

Students proudly guided their families through their work, sharing projects, artwork, and academic accomplishments from the year. Classrooms were filled with excitement as teachers connected with families and highlighted the meaningful experiences that make Zeyen such a special place to learn and grow.

GGUSD is proud of Zeyen for their hard work and for creating such a warm, welcoming evening for their school community!

Wakeham Elementary Sparks Curiosity with Family STEAM Night

GGUSD proudly celebrates the creativity and curiosity on display at Wakeham Elementary’s STEAM Night!

Students, families and staff came together to enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including building with pipe cleaners, creating coffee filter art, sculpting with clay, sorting seeds and exploring static electricity. Each station sparked imagination and encouraged students to think like scientists, engineers and artists!

A special thank you to the dedicated student volunteers from Rancho Alamitos High School who helped lead activities and inspire younger learners, and to the PTO for providing fun prizes for participants.

Events like this highlight the power of engaging, interactive learning experiences that bring the whole school community together. What a fantastic way to celebrate innovation and discovery!

Alamitos Intermediate School Welcomes

Families to Campus for Open House

Alamitos Intermediate School welcomed families, students, and community members for a fantastic Open House, showcasing the incredible learning and school spirit happening on campus. Guests had the opportunity to visit classrooms, explore student work, and connect with dedicated teachers and staff who are committed to student success. From engaging projects to interactive presentations, the evening highlighted the creativity, curiosity, and hard work of Alamitos students. Board of Education Trustee Teri Rocco attended to show her support. Thank you to everyone who joined in making the night so special and to the Alamitos team for creating a warm and welcoming environment for all!

GGUSD Highlights Homegrown Staff in Honor of Our

60th Anniversary Year

From student to teacher—Annie Stultz’s journey is a proud reflection of GGUSD’s 60 years of excellence!

As part of the “Then vs. Now” campaign celebrating homegrown staff, GGUSD is proud to highlight Annie Stultz. In 1997, Annie was a 4th grade student at Ethan Allen Elementary. Today, she has come full circle as a teacher at Pacifica High School, inspiring the next generation of learners in the very district that helped shape her.

Her story is a powerful example of the lasting impact of GGUSD schools and the strong sense of community that continues to grow across generations. Congratulations, Annie, and thank you for being part of GGUSD’s legacy!

Join Us at Our Choose Wellness Education & Resource Fair!

Garden Grove Unified School District invites families and community members to its annual Choose Wellness Education & Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 29!

The event will take place at Fitz Intermediate Language Academy and will feature an afternoon and evening full of valuable resources and engaging activities for all ages. From 4:00–5:00 p.m., attendees can explore a resource fair with community partners, followed by informative workshops from 5:05–6:30 p.m., and student performances from 6:35–7:00 p.m.

Families can enjoy food, games, giveaways, wellness resources, and health screenings while learning about important topics like bullying prevention and supporting children’s mental health. Students will also have access to age-appropriate workshops focused on building healthy relationships and being an upstander.

Can’t attend in person? Select workshops will be available via livestream, making it easy for everyone to participate! Interpretation and childcare will also be provided to ensure all families feel welcome and supported.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and prioritize wellness—plus, attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes!

Join Us at Our 60th Anniversary Celebration!

GGUSD is proud to welcome current and former students, staff, families, and community members to join in celebrating its 60th Anniversary on Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bolsa Stadium.

This exciting milestone event will honor GGUSD’s rich history, celebrate the incredible achievements of its students and staff, and look ahead to a bright future. It’s an event designed for all ages—truly something the whole family can enjoy!

Guests can look forward to:

🎭 Student performances showcasing musical and artistic talent

🍔 A variety of delicious food trucks

🚗 A mini car show featuring classic and unique vehicles

🏫 A History Walk highlighting 60 years of memories and milestones

🎧 Live music from a DJ throughout the evening

🎓 Alumni Association booths to reconnect with fellow graduates

📸 Photo stations to capture special moments

🎯 Fun games and activities for children

🎁 Prizes and giveaways from community partners and local businesses

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, reconnect with friends, celebrate community pride, and honor the people who have helped make GGUSD so special over the past 60 years.

We looks forward to celebrating with the community for an evening filled with music, memories, and GGUSD pride!

GGUSD is Hiring College Tutors!

GGUSD is seeking dedicated undergraduate and graduate students to support programs like AVID, AVID Excel, Academies, and Resource Centers. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in education.

College tutors play an important role in mentoring students, supporting their academic success, and helping build confidence for the future. With a positive work environment, competitive pay, and a strong team, GGUSD offers a rewarding way to give back to the community.

Pre-Enroll Your Child for the 2026/27 School Year!

GGUSD has opened pre-enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. We encourage families registering children in Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten to get started today!

Parents should pre-enroll online at enroll.ggusd.us and contact their child’s home school for support.

GGUSD Cohosts Webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Age of Social Media

GGUSD invites families to a special webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Social Media Age, presented in partnership with UC Irvine, UC Irvine Health and Assemblyman Tri Ta. Hear from leading experts about how social media impacts adolescent well-being and learn about practical tools and resources to help support healthy, resilient teens. RSVP: asmrc.org/gz/socialmedia

Free Live-Chat Tutoring for All GGUSD Students

GGUSD has partnered with Varsity Tutors to offer FREE 24/7 live chat tutoring and one-hour tutoring sessions to support students in their academic success (Goal 1). The program is accessible from home through ClassLink using a district-provided device.